It has been a busy week for me in my role as an ambassador for British Polio. On Saturday the weather thankfully stayed dry for our half-time appearance at Selhurst Park during the Palace v West Ham game. My other half, Chris, was working so my daughter, Sophie, came with me.

We watched the first thirty minutes of the game before I needed to get changed in to my ‘red & blue’ number, during which Palace had definitely been on top. As we stood waiting to go out on the pitch the crowd were booing the referee (a fairly common occurrence, sadly).

I turned to my friend, Terry Byfield, the PR and Communications Manager at Crystal Palace, who had helped organise our appearance, and he explained that Dwight Gayle had been sent off … apparently it was the right decision but it did change the game and led to us ultimately losing the game 1 – 3.

Bearing that in mind, I was really pleased with the reception we got from the Palace crowd. The video I put on here last week was shown before the models paraded onto the pitch in their outfits, accompanied by Paralympic swimmer, James Crisp who is currently training for Rio 2016, with his lovely wife Katy, and fellow paralympian Anne Wafula Strike.

Anne’s dress, designed by Aleah Leigh, pictured closest to the camera, was created out of unused football tickets which British Polio had requested from football clubs. Funnily enough, the only Premiership club to answer the request were Swansea City – and no, they aren’t aware of Daniel’s connection to the charity through me. The crowd watched, listened and applauded – I was very proud of my fellow fans.

The purpose of the fashion collection was to raise awareness of Post Polio Syndrome Day, which was celebrated yesterday at the Pierhead building in Cardiff, next to the Welsh Assembly building. I had been asked to speak at the event along with politician Mark Isherwood and Professor Gareth Williams.

I have met Gareth several times but it was the first time I had heard him speak about his book ‘Paralysed with Fear’, relating the story of polio in the 20th century and documenting the race for a vaccine. Because, thankfully, this virus is eradicated from this country, in fact most of the world apart from Pakistan and Afghanistan where there were fewer than 60 new cases this year, most people have forgotten just how terrifying it was.

Apparently in 1952 a survey was carried out in America asking the America people what they were most afraid of. Top of the list was nuclear warfare and second was polio. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives to this illness and for we survivors the sting in the tale is Post Polio Syndrome, which will affect the majority of us in some form.

Today is World Polio Day and you may well hear in the news that Rotary International are now within touching distance of achieving their aim to ‘End Polio Now’ so that no more people will needlessly die or be left with the terrible side effects of this preventable disease. I was honoured to be asked to speak yesterday and humbled to meet so many people whose lives have been more adversely affected than my own.

In order to meet my charity commitment I had to take time off from QVC but I managed to work with Keeley from Elemis last Sunday and Monday both on air and off! I can’t tell you too much about what we were recording on Monday but let’s just say that for the first time ever the QVC Beauty Channel will be hosting the pre-launch of the Elemis Christmas TSV at 8 pm on the 14th November.

I think you are going to love it, or should I say “them”!!! Yes, there is a choice and one of the options is a world-wide launch! Starting to feel excited? Well, it gets better. It’s on maximum Easy Pays and Buy More, Save More. Soooo…. the date for the diary is 14th November at 8pm.

Speaking of the Beauty Channel (Sky 668 and Freesat 801) it is celebrating its fifth birthday on Monday 26th October and the output will include a live broadcast with Lulu at 4pm. I have no idea how I have not managed to do a single show featuring her Beauty Product of the month. Still time to order before the start of November with free P&P.

I’m back on QVC on Tuesday 27th at 5pm, Lalique Fragrances and 7pm, Festive Christmas Lighting. Tuesday also happens to be National Black Cat Day. As you know if you read my blog regularly, my son’s cat Wilfie lives with us and he is jet black so I thought I would share some cute pictures of him with you.

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Apparently black cats are the most difficult to find homes for but if they are all like Wilfie I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. It is advisable to keep black cats indoors around Halloween – there are some unkind people around.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Simon Wilson on Thursday for Butler & Wilson World of Accessories particularly as I missed his jewellery shows when I was on holiday. The sparkly top I wear for a lot of the Christmas shows is much admired and that is from Simon’s collection – hope you will join us at 6pm.

So, as I was coming to Wales for PPS Day I decided to drive a few more miles to visit Daniel in Swansea for a few days. I find I can get a lot of writing done here with none of the usual interruptions and I need to write the first chapter of the final book in the Liberty Sands Trilogy to put in the back of book two, the first hundred pages of which I edited on Tuesday and Wednesday, so it’s still on course for publication around the 25th November – will keep you posted on here and also my Julia Roberts TV Facebook page.

I have kept forgetting to post a link to the video I recorded with our lovely QVC guest, Lorna Ko, for Chiswick Buzz at the Chiswick Book Festival so here it is now;

By the way, if you are on waitlist for signed copies of ‘Life’s a Beach and Then…‘ on the QVC website (705211) I have just had confirmation of the final order that the buyers will be placing so your books should be sent out in the next couple of weeks or so – plenty of time to read it before the new one comes out and there will be a few extra copies available if you haven’t ordered yet but would like to.

Remember to put your clocks back on Saturday for an extra hour in bed.

Much love,

Julia xx

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21 Comments

Hi Julia well done for all your efforts that’s you are doing for British Polio . You are very busy lady so I’m very grateful to read there will be another book soon!! I so enjoyed Lifes a Beach… Couldn’t put it down .Lovely moving story I’m first in line for the next episode . Can’t wait !!!

Hi Judy
So pleased to hear that you enjoyed Life’s a Beach and Then… and are looking forward to If He Really Loved Me… I’m busy editing at the moment so still on schedule for the week of 23rd November – eek!
I’m very happy to do what I can for British Polio and Bloodwise.
Love
Julia x

Thanks for putting that about black cats, so many people believe they bring bad luck and won’t have anything to do with them. Shelters are full of unwanted black cats that are just the same as any cat, it’s so sad. I’m visited daily by a black stray who’s got a dodgy eye and half a tail and can’t get a shelter to take her because they know she won’t get re-homed. I feel so bad but I can’t let her indoors because she really doesn’t get on with my own cat. I’ve got a little cat ‘out house’ and feed her in that but I’m not sure how she’ll get on when it gets even colder. I’ve always said if we do come back then I want to come back as a cat, but now I’m not so sure, ha ha!

Hi Anne-Marie
My daughter had a black cat called Oskar and he was lovely so we had no qualms about adopting Wilfie when she rescued the litter.
I think you are very kind looking after the stray – maybe put an old blanket or sweater into the ‘cat house’ for the winter?
I think I would still like to come back as a cat!
Love
Julia x

Hi Julia
Roll on 14th November then!
And yes I have great taste which is probably why I love QVC so much . You really do sell the best of the best. I was asking Micael if Will IT had a brother, Will Power cos I could do with him big style whenever QVC is on in my house .. which is a lot!!
Love
Marian xx

Hi Marian
It took me a moment to get the joke about Will having a brother … very funny!
We do sell some really good stuff – I’ve been shopping again myself this week, new Cooks Essentials saucepans, an egg poacher for Daniel (his is rubbish!) and ‘It Happens’!
As you say, roll on the 14th at 8pm on The Beauty Channel
Speak soon
Julia x

Hi Julia,
Glad the weather stayed dry for you when you went to Selhurst Park, I expect you felt proud being there.

Having Polio back years ago must have been a frightening experience. Thank goodness it is understood more now.

What gorgeous photos of Wilfie, very photogenic, I love the one where he is all stretched out. Yes people don’t like black cats, don’t no why, I love them.

Looking forward to the Elemis TSV.

Heidi said hello and to thank you for liking her page on Facebook about her blog. She also liked your recommended cv page. If you get a moment to spare, which I guess is very rare, have a look at her beauty blog, it is called Chronic Beauty, after reading it you will understand the title.

Hello Jean
Please thank Heidi for liking SM CV consulting – so many people don’t realise the importance of a good CV. Many prospective employers will discount a candidate before interview when in fact they may have been perfect for the job.
I will try and have a look at Heidi’s blog but you are right, at the moment I am absolutely up to my eyes in stuff. One day I promise myself I will slow down a bit.
What can I say about Wilfie apart from I think he’s very handsome!
Love
Julia x

Hi Julia
You have done so much to raise awareness of PPS and it’s great that your team have got involved…well done to all! Your dress must have taken ages to make, especially if the blue and red stripes were separate pieces of material sewn together.
You have been very busy of late and it must have been really nice to spend some time with Daniel without distractions.

Wilfie, is quite the poser, we have a black cat that wanders round here, not sure who he/she belongs to…funny how they have the association with being unlucky and the unknown of years gone by, Good advice to keep them indoors for Halloween!

I have sent you an email with a couple of pics, hope you like them. Sorry, but not on social media.

Hi Annette
Apologies for the delay in responding to your email – done now, and Bailey is gorgeous!
I was very pleased that Crystal Palace agreed to give the majority of their half time slot to British Polio – they have also permitted them to have a collection on the 6th November.
I can’t pretend that I liked my red and blue dress but as someone who sews I can certainly appreciate the amount of time and effort Aleah had put into designing and making it.
It was lovely to see Daniel last week although I got no writing done as I will explain on this week’s blog.
Speak soon
Julia x

Hi Julia,
I must say you are a fantastic ambassador for your charity. You ‘ll need another holiday with all the travelling around you’ve done lately! It looks as though Wales is becoming a second home for you. On that note, it would be great to meet up whenever it is convenient to you. I was thinking of dropping you a note (if I can find QVC address so perhaps you could text me or email me??)
Well I’ve got over the disappointment with Wales being out of the World Cup. At least there will be a Welshman there though as Nigel Owens, our ref. is officiating. He is someone that will not stand any nonsense. He’s so funny on times with the remarks he comes out with. He’s always being googled for his one liners!
I loved the photo’s of the cats- sooo cute. My cat was black and white. I miss her still f to our after all these years.
Well I’m off to our usual place even though they’ve given rain for today. Speak soon, take care, Tina x

Hi Tina,
It was an honour to be asked to be an ambassador for British Polio. It’s not a big, fashionable charity but having had polio myself means I really can empathise with all the members I meet even though I have been more fortunate than many in terms of the after effects.
I’m planing on visiting Daniel again on the 21st November so will speak to Morgan’s about the possibility of Sunday 22nd – any good for you?
We’ve had three black & white cats, Dylan, Charlie & Poppy – all had lovely temperaments.
Love
Julia x

Like Anne Marie says thank you Julia for the Black cat info and advice….I work at a cat rescue centre and can confirm beautiful black cats are almost ignored by the majority of visitors, heartbreaking! Anne Marie where are you? If you are near by we could try to have your little stray checked by our clinic and try to find a place tl bring her in to safety x

Hi Carrie,
Thank you for the work you doing caring for cats. I really struggle to understand why anyone would hurt or abandon cats, or any animal for that matter.
I hope you and Anne Marie can hook up to help her stray
Love
Julia x

Hi Julia,
This is my 2nd attempt of replying as the 1st does not appear to have been posted. So forgive me if the other one turns up.
Loved the photo’s as usual a cat called Mitzi who had a thing about diving into paper bags. She also used to eat the silver lametta off the Christmas tree and loved crisps.
Congratulations on the latest family member also.
The 22nd November should be ok. I don’t usually go out on a Sunday but will make an exception this once, LOL. Let me know what you decide.
Well its the rugby final tomorrow so we’ve got a good match to look forward to. I think I’m looking more forward to watching Nigel Owens ref. as he’s so entertaining. He won’t stand for any nonsense!
Well must dash as I’ve an early start tomorrow. The roofer’s calling again but this time its to see to the guttering to the front of my house. Another expense I could do without as we’re still trying to sell it. Nevermind- theres always another chance of winning the lottery tomorrow ( I wish…)
Speak soon, take care- Tina x